To perform the MOT test, garages must have the necessary training and equipment to carry out these tests accurately and efficiently. Here is a quick rundown of the main MOT Equipment and tools necessary to perform these duties.
MOT Testing Bay
The first and most essential piece of equipment required within any garage carrying out MOT testing is a designated MOT testing bay. This bay must be equipped with a roller brake tester, a headlamp tester, and an emissions analyser, among other things.
Roller Brake Tester / Decelerometers
A roller brake tester is used to check a vehicle’s braking performance. It measures the force applied by the brakes on each wheel and can detect any discrepancies between them. The roller brake tester is a critical tool in ensuring that a vehicle is safe to be on the road.
The alternative is a Decelerometer, where an RBT cannot be used these handheld electronic devices can be taken in a vehicle during a test drive and brake test, and they will test the braking efficiency by calculating the rate of deceleration.
Headlamp Beam Tester
Headlight testers are used to check the alignment and brightness of a vehicle’s headlights. It is essential to ensure that a driver has good visibility on the road and does not dazzle the other road users. A headlamp tester is an essential tool in ensuring that a vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required for the MOT test.
Emissions Analyser / Gas or Smoke Meters
An emissions analyser is used to test a vehicle’s exhaust emissions. It measures the number of harmful pollutants released by the vehicle, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. The emissions analyser is an essential tool in ensuring that a vehicle meets the minimum environmental standards required for the MOT test.
Lift, Ramp or Inspection Pit
Lifts and ramps are used to raise a vehicle off the ground to allow access to the underside of the vehicle. They are essential for checking a vehicle’s suspension, steering, and brakes, as well as its chassis and bodywork. A garage must have the appropriate vehicle lift for the correct class of vehicle to ensure that it can carry out the necessary inspections required for the MOT test, or as an alternative an inspection pit may be used in place of a lift or ramp for the same purpose.
Diagnostic Equipment
Diagnostic machines are used to identify any faults or issues with a vehicle’s electronic systems. This includes the engine management system, ABS, and airbag system, among others. The diagnostic equipment is not essential for an MOT test, but it can be extremely helpful in determining issues, which may include emissions issues caused by engine management faults which could cause an MOT failure. We sell some of the leading makes of diagnostic machines including name brands such as Bosch and Topdon UK diagnostics.
Approved and Connected MOT Equipment
UK Garages must have all of the appropriate UK MOT equipment to carry out the necessary inspections required for the MOT test accurately and efficiently. By having the correct MOT equipment as shown above, garages can ensure that the vehicles they test meet the minimum safety and environmental standards required by law.
Classes of MOT bay
The different classes of vehicles need different specialist MOT testing equipment, as defined and approved by the DVSA, and bear in mind that some of this equipment is already required to be connected directly to the DVSA, especially for new MOT bays or those that have changed hands.You must make sure you have at least the minimum level for each vehicle class you’re approved to test.All equipment must be kept in good working order and calibrated properly.
MOT Tools
As well as the larger garage equipment required for MOT testing, the following MOT Tools are also used by MOT testing stations to make the MOT test fast and efficient.
What tools are needed for MOT?
The MOT Bay itself consists of several pieces of essential MOT Equipment, however, some ancillary tools are also used by MOT test centres to make the MOT test fast and efficient.Some of these tools include the following:
MOT tool board (tool storage shadow panel boards)
Tyre Depth Gauge
Corrosion Assessment Tool (CAT), also known as the MOT hammer!
Lever and Pry bars
Hand Lamps
Brake Pipe Corrosion Tool
Wire Brushes
Turning radius plates
Tapley or Bowmonk electronic brake efficiency test meters
13-pin Trailer Towing Socket tester
MOT Notice Boards,
Windscreen Damage Template
Tyre Tread Width Gauge
Brake Pedal Depressor
MOT information posters
MOT signs
Help with MOT Connected Equipment
If you are setting up a new MOT Bay, upgrading your existing MOT Equipment or just need some additional MOT tools or MOT equipment, please give our friendly sales team a call at Concept Garage Equipment.We can offer you advice over the phone at 0113 469 0572, we have set up hundreds of MOT Bays across the UK and we have a huge range of MOT equipment and tools. All product prices include delivery as well as free advice on the best use of the MOT equipment.Call our friendly sales team today on 0113 469 0572 or shop online at concept-ge.co.uk.
